Because of the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland, we very nearly didn’t get away from Gatwick. But we were lucky, as UK air space closed about an hour or so after our departure, which was exactly on schedule. Anyway, this first set of pictures is of our journey there and back.

Our Hotel, The Iberostar Bellevue, was on the edge of Becici, which was a short walk along the beach.

Our first ‘included’ half-day excursion was to the neighbouring town of Budva. We were later able to go there on foot, as it was only in the next bay from Becici, and access was via a tunnel through the headland, dirctly opposite our hotel.

Next, a full day to Skadar Lake. On the way, there were some fairly dramatic views of the coast from above the clouds. Lunch was taken in a delightful little bar where all the furniture was home made.

A full day again. This time to Shkoder in Albania. As there were only the two of us on this tour, we were taken in a private car. Access to the city was via a single-lane wooden bridge.

Another ‘included’ half-day excursion a short way along the coast to the peninsular of Sveti Stefan. This ‘town’ is now in the process of being converted to an exclusive hotel complex. We also stopped at a pretty little monastery.

Again, an ‘included’ half-day excursion was to Kotor - a picturesque walled town at the head of a fjord.

Also ‘included’ was a full day excursion to Ulcinj, via the port of Bar, and the old deserted town of Stari Bar (stari means old) on the return journey.

We were also taken privately to a hillside restaurant on the outskirts of Cetinj, where we could sample some real Montenegran food for our Sunday lunch.

This last set of pictures are other general views around Montenegro, may of which were taken on another ‘included’ tour of the country. Note: many of these pictures were taken through mini-bus windows.